Message from Joyce Elliott, Executive Director of the CLRPN:

It is with a heavy heart and sadness that I have resigned as executive director of the CLRPN. There is a state law that says if one is a sitting legislator, that person may not be hired as a state employee. Although I work for the CLRPN partnership of state and local public and private institutions, I am technically deemed a state employee because I have received my federally funded salary through the Promise Neighborhood grant administered by UALR.

I remain committed to the children, families and the CLRPN at large and will remain involved as much as I can on a volunteer basis, for we must not lose this opportunity to make long-term change in our community. The Promise Board will take some time to work out a careful restructuring of the CLRPN operations and staffing necessary to sustain the work.

I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals and groups within the CLRPN and beyond. You care. I ask that you not lose your resolve to make the CLRPN the success it must be and that you please reengage after the restructuring. I will definitely do so in whatever way I can. Hope to see you soon.